From Long Island’s coastal wineries to the Finger Lakes’ rolling hills, the state transforms into a paradise for wine lovers every autumn.
And with crisp air, harvest festivals, and golden leaves, 2025 promises to be one of the most unforgettable wine seasons yet.
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Millbrook Vineyards & Winery – Hudson Valley Classic
Set against the backdrop of the Hudson Valley, Millbrook is often called the “flagship winery” of the region.
Their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are favorites, but the true charm lies in the vineyard views during peak foliage.
🍷 Fall 2025 Highlights: Expect a harvest festival in October with live music, seasonal food trucks, and vineyard tours. Tastings start at around $15–$20, and a limited-edition late-harvest Riesling will be on pour this fall.
🥘 Food Pairing Tip: Pair their Pinot Noir with local cheeses available at the on-site store.
🛶 Itinerary Idea: Combine Millbrook with nearby Hudson Valley wineries for a cozy weekend escape. Several boutique inns and B&Bs nearby offer vineyard views.
🚗 Travel Tip: Car rentals are the easiest option here, though some shuttle tours from NYC include Millbrook on their routes.
👩🌾 Insider Insight: Their winemakers often share harvest stories during weekend tastings—don’t miss it.
Macari Vineyards – North Fork Gem
On Long Island’s North Fork, Macari Vineyards blends sustainability with stunning Atlantic breezes.
Their wines reflect the unique maritime terroir, making tastings here unlike anywhere else.
🍷 Fall 2025 Highlights: Macari will host a “Harvest Crush Party” this September. Tastings cost about $20–$25, and their limited-edition sparkling rosé will be featured this season.
🥘 Food Pairing Tip: Order a charcuterie board or oysters from nearby seafood spots to enjoy with their Sauvignon Blanc.
🛶 Itinerary Idea: Pair Macari with Kontokosta and other North Fork wineries for a full-day loop. Stay overnight in Greenport for easy access.
🚗 Travel Tip: LIRR trains and wine shuttles from NYC make North Fork wine hopping stress-free.
👩🌾 Insider Insight: Their family winemaking team often chats with guests about sustainable practices.
Kontokosta Winery – Coastal Beauty
Kontokosta is Long Island’s only waterfront winery, perched on a bluff with panoramic views of the Long Island Sound.
The combination of salty air and fine wines makes this a dreamy fall destination.
🍷 Fall 2025 Highlights: Look out for their October “Wine & Waves Festival.” Tastings cost around $15–$20, and a limited-edition Cabernet Franc will debut this fall.
🥘 Food Pairing Tip: Bring your own picnic or pair their bold reds with local farm-to-table takeout in the village of Greenport.
🛶 Itinerary Idea: Add Kontokosta to a two-day Long Island wine route, finishing with sunset views on the Sound.
🚗 Travel Tip: Shuttle services from Greenport make visiting car-free possible.
👩🌾 Insider Insight: Winemakers here often share how the coastal breeze influences their wines—worth asking about.
Once Finger Lakes – Modern Tasting Room
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Once Finger Lakes offers a curated tasting experience that highlights multiple wineries from the region in one spot.
🍷 Fall 2025 Highlights: Join their “Harvest Tasting Flights” in late September. Tastings average $20–$30, and rotating seasonal pours include small-batch Rieslings only available in fall.
🥘 Food Pairing Tip: Their tasting room features small plates designed to match regional wines, including artisanal flatbreads.
🛶 Itinerary Idea: Use Once Finger Lakes as a starting point for a weekend wine trail around Seneca and Keuka Lakes. Several lakeside resorts and B&Bs make for cozy stays.
🚗 Travel Tip: Wine tour shuttles and private drivers are popular options in the Finger Lakes.
👩🌾 Insider Insight: Local sommeliers often guide tastings, giving insider knowledge about the region’s rising stars.
Fox Run Vineyards – Seneca Lake Star
Fox Run sits along Seneca Lake, offering sweeping vineyard views and an inviting tasting room. It’s a Finger Lakes must-visit for its diverse selection.
🍷 Fall 2025 Highlights: The winery will host their Fall Food & Wine Festival in mid-October. Tastings run $10–$15, with seasonal pours like a dry rosé made just for fall.
🥘 Food Pairing Tip: Try their Lemberger with hearty fall dishes like roasted squash or lamb.
🛶 Itinerary Idea: Add Fox Run to a Finger Lakes wine weekend, pairing it with Hermann J. Wiemer and Wagner Vineyards. Stay lakeside for the best autumn views.
🚗 Travel Tip: Shuttle services and limo tours are widely available for safe wine hopping.
👩🌾 Insider Insight: Winemakers here often chat about how Finger Lakes’ microclimates shape each vintage.
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards – Riesling Royalty
Known as one of the best Riesling producers in the U.S., Hermann J. Wiemer is legendary among wine lovers. Fall is prime time to taste their crisp whites.
🍷 Fall 2025 Highlights: Expect a harvest open house with vineyard walks in September. Tastings cost $15–$20, with seasonal small-batch Rieslings pouring this fall.
🥘 Food Pairing Tip: Pair Riesling with spicy Thai or Indian food for a surprising match.
🛶 Itinerary Idea: Visit Wiemer alongside nearby Wagner and Fox Run for a Riesling-focused trail. Several cozy lodges dot Seneca Lake for overnight stays.
🚗 Travel Tip: Hire a driver if planning multiple stops—parking fills quickly during harvest season.
👩🌾 Insider Insight: Winemakers love to talk about their old vines and traditional German winemaking methods.
Wagner Vineyards – Tradition Meets Innovation
Perched on Seneca Lake, Wagner combines family traditions with modern techniques. Their sprawling property includes a brewery, so it’s perfect for groups.
🍷 Fall 2025 Highlights: Look out for their annual Harvest Festival in October. Tastings average $12–$18, and a limited-edition Cabernet Sauvignon will be available this fall.
🥘 Food Pairing Tip: Try their bold reds with barbecue from their on-site café.
🛶 Itinerary Idea: Include Wagner in a Seneca Lake weekend wine crawl. Book nearby cabins or inns for lakeside relaxation.
🚗 Travel Tip: Group shuttle tours often include Wagner, making it easy to include multiple wineries.
👩🌾 Insider Insight: Wagner’s staff often share behind-the-scenes insights about blending and aging techniques.
Belhurst Castle and Winery – A Fairytale Finish
Few wineries can match the romance of Belhurst Castle. This historic castle winery sits on Seneca Lake and combines history, charm, and fine wine.
🍷 Fall 2025 Highlights: Expect their Fall Wine & Music Fest in late September. Tastings start at $15–$25, with a seasonal mulled wine available this autumn.
🥘 Food Pairing Tip: Dine at their castle restaurant and pair estate wines with hearty fall dishes like duck or venison.
🛶 Itinerary Idea: End your Finger Lakes trip here for a luxurious finale. Stay overnight at the castle hotel for a true storybook wine weekend.
🚗 Travel Tip: Valet and shuttle services make it stress-free for guests.
👩🌾 Insider Insight: Locals say Belhurst’s wine tastes even better paired with the castle’s lakefront sunsets.
Pro Tips for Fall Wine Tasting in New York
- 🍁 Best Time to Visit: Late September through mid-October for peak foliage and harvest events.
- 🚙 Transportation: If you’re wine hopping, consider group tours or shuttles to skip the hassle of driving.
- 📦 Bring Home Wines: Many seasonal bottles are limited—buy on-site, as they sell out quickly.
- 🛏️ Stay Local: Book accommodations early, especially in the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley, as fall weekends fill fast.
Read More: Discover New York’s Top Cider Houses and Orchards
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